The two countries are also due to restart talks on negotiations about Iranian oil and gas exports to Oman and developing joint offshore gas fields, according to media reports.

In 2009, the two countries signed an agreement for a joint 200-kilometer (124 miles) undersea gas pipeline between Iran and Oman.

Oman is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

The other oil- and gas-rich Sunni Muslim monarchies of the GCC have strained relations with Shiite Iran, which they accuse of trying to meddle in their internal affairs.

Relations between the GCC states and Tehran have deteriorated further because of Iran's support for Syrian President Bashar Assad in the country's bloody civil war.

Sultan Qaboos is the first guest of the new Iranian President Hassan Rowhani who was inaugurated on August 3. Shortly after his election, Rowhani said he hoped to improve relations with neighboring countries, especially Gulf states.

During the visit, His Majesty the Sultan will be accompanied by an official delegation comprising Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court; General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu'amani, Minster of the Royal Office; Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs; Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Rowas, Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs; Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas; Dr Salim bin Nasser Al Ismaily, Chairman of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development; and Sheikh Yahya bin Abdullah Al Fannah Al Araimi, the Sultanate's ambassador to Iran.